Grid Serviceability Assessment of Non-Residential Buildings Using Measurement and Simulation Data and its Validation in a Physical Test Grid

Abstract:
The growing influence of renewable energy sources leads to new challenges in the distribution grid. Due to the volatility of these energy sources, the demand for flexibility in the distribution grid rises. The non-residential buildings move into focus due to their flexibility potential. Not only this could generate cost savings for the building manager but also the building could support the grid through a mix of its available flexible components, such as photovoltaic installations (PV), charging infrastructures for electrical vehicles (CIS), energy storage systems (EES) or even building’s equipment. To characterize the flexibility potential, a Grid Serviceability Indicator for Buildings (GSIB) is proposed. Utilizing a Building-Grid Simulation Environment (BGSE), the flexible power is identified and its effect on the building’s comfort variables, mainly room temperature and air quality, is analysed. BGSE is validated through real building’s measurements. Additionally, the BGSE is used to analyse the influence of the building on the electrical distribution grid. Later, the GSIB is evaluated theoretically. Next, the indicator is verified in a physical test grid, which was implemented by the research assistants of the Institute of Power System Engineering from the University of Wuppertal at the Campus Freudenberg. It is capable to emulate the energy consumption/generation behaviour of the nodes of an electrical distribution grid. The validation of the accuracy of the BGSE shows that the GSIB describes the influence of a flexible building with high accuracy. Finally, the GSIB’s advantages and restrictions are analysed.